At a Glance
- Tasks: Support FOSS licensing policies and collaborate with engineering and legal teams.
- Company: Leading financial services organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a regulated environment with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of open source software in finance.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate experience in copyright law and strong interest in software development.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 63000 € per year.
Location: Sheffield - 3 Days per Week Onsite
Start Date: ASAP
Duration: 30/11/2026
Rate: £525p/d via Umbrella
Role Description: Bank is seeking a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Licensing Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the definition, enhancement, and ongoing governance of policies, processes, and controls related to the consumption and contribution of open source software across the organisation. This role sits within the Engineering Practice team in the Technology CTO function and requires close collaboration with engineering teams as well as Bank's Legal. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in open source licensing, copyright considerations, and regulatory implications within a controlled financial services environment. The role is suited to a self-starter who can operate independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver high quality outcomes under tight deadlines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and clearly communicate the implications of FOSS licenses (including copyright, modification, and distribution) to engineering teams.
- Support training and awareness initiatives across engineering teams on FOSS licensing implications.
- Categorise and assess licenses not recognised by automated tooling into defined categories (Liberal, Permissible, Weak Copyleft, Copyleft, Banned).
- Review existing treatment of open source licenses and recommend improvements, exceptions, or conditional usage approaches.
- Contribute to the selection, assessment, and continuous improvement of automated license evaluation tooling.
- Act as a liaison between Engineering, Legal, and Risk stakeholders to ensure compliant and scalable adoption of open source software.
Required Skills & Experience:
Essential:
- Post graduate experience in copyright law or contract law.
- Strong interest in and practical exposure to software development.
- Hands on experience with open source software, either from a usage or contribution standpoint.
- Prior experience working within a regulated or controlled environment (e.g. financial services, risk, compliance).
- Excellent attention to detail, organisation, and stakeholder communication skills.
Desirable:
- Formal legal training with a focus on copyright or software licensing.
- Exposure to DevSecOps practices.
- Experience working in an Agile delivery environment.
- Experience with FOSS compliance and evaluation tooling (e.g. Nexus IQ Server, Black Duck, or equivalent).
FOSS Licensing SME in Sheffield employer: Experis IT
Join a forward-thinking bank in Sheffield as a FOSS Licensing SME, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the governance of open source software policies. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, offering you the chance to work closely with engineering and legal teams while enjoying the benefits of a supportive environment that values your expertise. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compliance within a regulated financial services landscape, this position provides a unique opportunity for meaningful contributions and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FOSS Licensing SME in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the tech and legal fields, especially those who have experience with FOSS licensing. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights or even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your experience with open source software and licensing. This can really set you apart during interviews and showcase your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers, especially around FOSS licensing scenarios. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be just right for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace FOSS Licensing SME in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the FOSS Licensing SME role. Highlight your experience with open source software and any relevant legal knowledge. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about FOSS licensing and how your skills can benefit our team. Keep it engaging and make it personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects or roles where you've dealt with open source software or licensing. We want to see concrete examples of how you've navigated challenges in regulated environments.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis IT
✨Know Your FOSS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Free and Open Source Software licensing. Be prepared to discuss specific licenses, their implications, and how they apply in a financial services context. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves liaising between engineering, legal, and risk teams, practice articulating complex licensing concepts in simple terms. Think about examples where you've successfully communicated technical information to non-technical stakeholders, as this will highlight your ability to bridge gaps.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss scenarios where you’ve had to assess and categorise licenses or recommend improvements. Think through your approach to problem-solving in a regulated environment, as this will be crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions related to software development and FOSS compliance tools. Familiarise yourself with tools like Nexus IQ Server or Black Duck, and be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with them. This will demonstrate your practical exposure and readiness for the role.
